Seattle awarding $1.6 million in grants to neighborhood business districts

StaffPuget Sound Business Journal

This story has been updated to explain how the money is spent.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn on Thursday will announce the city’s $1.6 million investment in 17 neighborhood business districts.

According to statement from McGinn’s office, the funding helps business and property owners “work together to improve neighborhood business climate and create jobs.”

McGinn spokesman Aaron Pickus said the money is distributed to business improvement associations and other groups, which use the money to fund marketing promotions, graffiti removal, litter pickup, lighting and other projects.

Districts receiving funding are Ballard, Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, Central Area, Chinatown/International District, Columbia City, Georgetown, Madison Valley, MLK (Othello & Graham), Pike and Pine downtown, Pioneer Square, Rainier Beach, Roosevelt, South Park, University District, Wallingford and White Center.